Exodus 30:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Christ is fully represented by the ark of the covenant, which was situated beyond the veil, containing the golden jar of manna, Aaron's fruitful rod, and the tablets of the covenant. The ark itself symbolizes His human nature, the jar of manna represents the completeness of His Divine nature, Aaron's rod reflects His role as High Priest, and the tablets denote His unchanging nature, for He is the One who provided the Law and promises blessings to those who adhere to it.

Moses describes the arrangement of the altar and the curtain by stating, "And thou shalt put the altar upright with the veil, which is at the tabernacle of the vision." The Apostle Paul refers to this in his letter to the Hebrews, as seen in Hebrews 3:4, where he mentions a second veil, which separates the tabernacle known as the Holy of Holies. EXPLANATION. There were two curtains: one separating the outer section of the tabernacle, referred to as the Holy of Holies, from the inner area, and the other distinguishing the Holy of Holies from the innermost sanctum. Between these two veils stood the altar for burnt offerings.

The positioning of the incense altar in close proximity to the ark, 'where the Lord is revealed to Moses,' highlights its significance relative to the other items within the sanctuary.